(Newser)
–
Almost 2,000 House staffers pulled in six figure salaries last year, including 43 making the maximum $172,500, according to a report commissioned by Politico. That’s three times the median US household income, and only $2,000 less than elected legislators make. The ranks of these elite earners have swelled under the Democratic Congress. In 2005, only 203 staffers had salaries of over $163,358; by 2008, that had spiked to 304.

The big earners still represent only a small percentage of the Congressional workforce, and most are highly qualified high-level staffers, often working in leadership offices. “These are people who could be making a lot more money in the private sector, but they choose to work here,” says a Pelosi spokesman—who happens to be making the maximum. “Often some of the junior-level staffers make $25,000 a year. They’re certainly not being overpaid.”

I will concur that the staffers do more work in a day than members of Congress in a year making more than double in salaries, which they determine themselves (Time for a change in that), plus their lobbying contributions, plus their millionaire status and on and on. However, could they (staffers) shop around over in Virginia, avoid the Lexus showrooms and $100.00 steak dinners instead having a Mac Attack. Be seeing you.

mikech

Mar 26, 2010 3:03 PM CDT

Jeez, I make 100K+ writing software in Dallas. The cost of living is much, much higher in DC. Come on people, we need competent people to run the nation. The problem with the system is how much elected officials need to run their campaigns. We need reforms and publicly funded campaigns so that our representatives do not need to spend half their time begging for money.

ancientmike

Mar 26, 2010 2:13 PM CDT

Forget the price tag, look at the number of them pulling in six figures. Almost 2000! Our government is over inflated, period.